A Life Saved by a Pizza Order
In May 2015, a woman in Florida found herself in a life-threatening situation. But, thanks to her quick thinking and some unexpected help from Pizza Hut, she managed to escape an ordeal that could have turned deadly.
The story begins in Highlands County, Florida, where Cheryl Treadway was trapped in a terrifying situation. Her boyfriend, Ethan Nickerson, was threatening her and her children with a knife. They were trapped in her home, and she knew she needed to find a way out, but the danger was too great for her to act openly.
But Cheryl had an idea—a risky one, but it might just work. Using her cell phone, she placed an order with her local Pizza Hut. She didn’t just order food. Along with the usual pizza request, she included a desperate message in the special instructions section. “Please help. I’m being held hostage,” she wrote. It was her only hope.
When the staff at Pizza Hut received the order, they noticed something unusual. The message was clearly a cry for help. They immediately realized the gravity of the situation and sprang into action. Instead of simply preparing the pizza, they called the police.
TOP CLICKED: Pizza ordering app saves woman in hostage situation. Story: http://t.co/NBDFdQJfJ7 pic.twitter.com/V1YWepftN9
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) May 6, 2015
The police arrived quickly at Cheryl’s home, and after a tense confrontation, they arrested Ethan Nickerson. Thanks to her quick thinking and the prompt response from the Pizza Hut staff, Cheryl and her children were able to escape the dangerous situation.
Cheryl’s story was one of the lucky ones. Domestic violence affects around 4 million women each year, and while many survivors find a way out, far too many do not. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced physical violence from a partner. Cheryl’s escape reminds us how crucial it is to have resources and support in these dangerous situations.
Her story also mirrors the powerful message in a public service announcement (PSA) that aired during the Super Bowl, where a woman pretends to order a pizza while secretly speaking to the police. The PSA raised awareness about the fact that some people in danger may not be able to directly ask for help.
While the organization behind the PSA, No More, may not be perfect, the message it sends is still important: people need to know how to recognize these quiet cries for help. In Cheryl’s case, the Pizza Hut manager understood the urgency of the situation and acted swiftly. But what if they hadn’t? What if they missed the hidden message in her order? Thankfully, they didn’t. But this raises an important question: What happens when a signal isn’t as obvious?
Domestic violence survivors often can’t simply leave their situation. The reality for many is far more complex than just walking out the door. For someone in an abusive relationship, leaving may be nearly impossible without careful planning, and even then, it can be dangerous. This is why the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers tools like safety planning guides to help survivors make a safe escape.
The work done by 911 operators, police officers, and even everyday people like the Pizza Hut staff is critical. They help spot the signs of distress and take action when someone might not be able to speak out loud. Not every cry for help is as clear as Cheryl’s was, and sometimes, the signals can be harder to see. But when we pay attention, we can save lives.
Cheryl’s story shows how important it is to be aware of the small, often hidden signs that someone might be in danger. It’s easy to assume that people will speak up if they need help, but the reality is that for many, they can’t. When we keep our eyes open, when we listen carefully and act quickly, we can make all the difference.
What if the Pizza Hut manager hadn’t made that call to 911? What if no one noticed the hidden message? Cheryl might not have gotten the chance to escape. But fortunately, there are people who are paying attention, people who know how to spot the signs and take action. They are the ones making a difference.
What do you think about this story? Have you ever seen a situation where someone needed help but couldn’t ask directly? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
